Deciding to do the Little Sisters of the Poor volunteer “Spring Into Service Program” is one the best decisions I have ever made. This work of God is a pure gift. It helped me to realize my purpose for living: love of God AND love of neighbor. The “love of neighbor” part had in the past been a challenge for me to understand. How do I know that I am really living love in my daily life? Volunteering at the Little Sisters made me see it more clearly than before I came. I realized that my needs and wants must always be secondary. If I saw Jesus in need, would I deny him even for a second what he desired? Seeing Jesus in the poor and serving him in the poor is the greatest joy.
One of the learning skills that impacted me most is learning how to feed the residents. This is such a grace and honor. Whenever I just did some little like put salt and pepper on their food, they appreciated it so much. One resident I fed at breakfast said to me (although he rarely speaks), “Thank you.” His quiet, gentle words meant the world to me.
For anyone who is struggling with hardships in their lives, this is my plea…come. Experience God in the poor and let it transform your soul, because I know it has transformed me!
